Cars is coming along...got the engine and trans bolted together and installed. Everything all hooked up and started. Broke in the cam etc. Go to back it out and uh oh...it doesnt go in gear.

I checked the fluid level and it seems fine...although it only took 5L of fluid when I was certain it would take near 10L. I removed the lower trans line at the rad and after starting it up for a few - its not pumping anything.

I fear I broke the pump gear when I bolted the engine and trans together.

Any thoughts?

Im not taking the engine out again and since I cant get the car high enough I am considering towing it to a nearby shop and having them do it. What do you think theyll charge to Re + Re the tranny and fix the pump gear?

 

From $600 to $1000, as the R+R is around $400, depending if you've headers, if they're in the way, etc.
Maybe less if they like you + the car!
You should get it towed, as they'll mark it up!

 

Why do you fear this? Did you force it together?

Let's back up. Is this the original trans or a new one? Was the trans left in the car when the engine was out? Did you properly seat the converter in the trans before bolting up the engine? Did the converter pull forward when you bolted it to the flexplate? Are you SURE you've properly filled the trans?

 

This is what I was thinking also. Maybe the TC hub isn't properly seated in the trans pump.

 

Here's another thought.. did you bolt the converter to the flexplate? I know it's a stupid question, but i've seen it happen more than once.

 

never heard of a trans not pumping fluid.
At this point add more fluid until your dipstick reads slightly over filled.
You'd be better off finding a used transmission on craigslist and installing yourself.
Labor rates are sky high at trans shops.

 

Problem fixed.

I didnt want to tow it to a shop...too proud...and theres a certain satisfaction to fixing it yourself. As luck would have it my neighbour has a old skool tranny jack so I borrowed it - got the car way high enuf and yanked it out.

As closure to this thread....yes Joe and AZ455 - you guys were bang on.

I didnt seat the converter properly and when I bolted things together I ended up breaking the pump gear. Off it went to trans shop that built it. I also managed to seize a busing onto the converter as well - since it wasnt pumping fluid and it was spinning while I broke in the cam etc.

Ended up paying $100 for the shop to fix the converter, pump gear and he even put a new seal in the tail for me 'cause it was dripping. Pretty decent guy.

Trans is back in and working great. Now the car moves as it should and is ready to head off for body / paint!!!! Thx all.

 

Nice work. I too wasted a front pump not knowing how to install the trans correctly. That was in 1978. That was a cheap fix for you!